'I've got a great responsibility': FSU coach Mike Norvell honors Bobby Bowden's legacy
Mike Norvell respects Bobby Bowden's legacy at Florida State.
Norvell treats the past with dignity, embraces expectations and confidently shares his vision of Seminole football.
"That's a daily challenge, and I owe it to him (Bowden)," Norvell said at the ACC Kickoff Wednesday in Charlotte, North Carolina. "I owe it to his legacy to make sure we're doing this a certain way because I fully believe success is coming."
Norvell, 41, entering his fourth season as FSU's head coach, warmed the heart of The Seminole Nation when he wore a burgundy tie that honored the legendary Bowden with a 'Bowden Society' emblem at the bottom of it during the ACC Kickoff.
The Bowden Society was created last year by Seminole Boosters, Inc., for donors whose major-gift commitments rise above and beyond annual support tied to annual fund donations and seat-related requirements. The Society also helps fund FSU facilities and scholarships for all 20 varsity sports.
Norvell, who is part of the group and supports it, has always made sure his program honors Bowden. He grew up a fan of FSU and Bowden during his youth in Texas. While Norvell's rebuild has started to pay dividends as excitement builds for his fourth season in 2023, he points to the values and culture left by Bowden.
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Bowden passed away in 2021 at the age of 91.
Mike Norvell's approach to honor Bobby Bowden appreciated by Seminole greats
Norvell's approach that links the past with the present is appreciated by former Seminoles.
"I think it's just typical of his personality," former FSU assistant coach and Tallahassee resident Jim Gladden said.
"He understands the culture, has a great deal of respect for Coach Bowden and understands the body of work that went into building this program. Mike understands. He greets people with enthusiasm and integrity. His management style is so close to Bobby's.
"I have a lot of respect for Mike."
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Gladden, part of the Seminoles' winning ways under Bowden that featured two national titles and 12 ACC titles, also likes that Norvell doesn't shy away from goals and expectations. Gladden said Bowden routinely told his staff and players to 'shoot for the moon. If you miss, at least you are landing on the stars."
After years of struggles and frustrations, the Seminoles won 10 games last year and have returned to the national conversation. Norvell's staff also features former FSU players under Bowden in Associated Head Coach/Defensive Tackles Coach Odell Haggins and Receivers Coach Ron Dugans.
"I've got a great responsibility leading this program," Norvell said.
"I was fortunate to be able to meet Coach Bowden within those first couple of months of getting the job. I'll never forget sitting down with him at my desk in that office. I remember him telling me, be true to who you are, and you continue to make an impact on those young men helping them to where they're going.
"We took some positive steps last year. We had our 25th 10-win season. A lot of great things. When we achieve it, I want to be able to sustain it. And it's because of who we get to coach and what we represent being a Seminole . And Coach Bowden was a special man, a special leader, and he had some incredible teams that he got to be a part of impacting those players' lives, and that still carries on today with those individuals and obviously in his legacy."
Former FSU player (1986-90) and Chiles football coach Bill Ragans, whose daughter is an FSU cheerleader, believes the connection Norvell has with Bowden and Bowden's legacy is important.
"You can just tell by the way Mike goes about his business," Ragans said.
"He's around people just like Coach Bowden was. He knows Coach's legacy. We've been over to FSU a bunch. He always speaks to me by name. I think he goes out of his way to know and welcome former FSU players that stop by. He's trying to live up to the expectations and standards that Coach Bowden left. I tell kids in our program that football sets the tone for our school if we are playing well. It's the same at FSU.
"When FSU football is doing well, it (Tallahassee) is a different town."
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football coach Mike Norvell's tie honors legend Bobby Bowden
